RE: ...What do I do next---need suggestions!

[Guest guest]

,

I can't comment much on thyroid since you don't have free T3 labs but likely

the thyroid is stressing the already low adrenals even more.

Your cortisol levels are low 3 out of 4 and your progesterone is very low.

Don't go too high on your progesterone cream though...22 mg to 44 mg a day

(you must measure) for 14 or 21 days depending on if you are pre or post

menopausal. Likely your adrenals are pulling from progesterone to make up

for what they aren't getting. I also recommend starting Isocort slowly,

graphing temps and ramping up.

Since your DHEA is still high enough, you are likely at stage 4 with DHEA

still in range but since it is at the higher end you might be headed into

stage 5. http://www.chronicfatigue.org/ASI%204.html

http://www.chronicfatigue.org/ASI%205.html

No, it is not odd to have DHEA high and progest and cortisol low.

http://www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/progesterone.cfm It is all

about the stages of fatigue. Below is some info on progesterone and

cortisol...Dr. Lam

http://www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/adrenal_fatigue.cfm has great

info and you should read his entire adrenal section. This is also

interesting on progesterone and cortisol if you get into scientific research

journals like I do.

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~oschult/publications/wmfs2007.pdf

Looking over your symptoms and comparing to this matrix is a good idea:

http://drrind.com/scorecardmatrix.asp

Graph your temps three times daily and average per Dr. Rind

http://drrind.com/tempgraph.asp#directions to track your progress and

determine your dosage and ramping schedule of Isocort. All this info is in

the file section of this group.

Cheri

PS: From Dr. Lam's site on progesterone:

" Progesterone occupies an important position in the pathway of hormonal

synthesis. In addition to being the precursor to estrogen, it is also the

precursor of testosterone and the all-important adrenal cortical hormone

cortisol. Cortisol is essential for stress response, sugar and electrolyte

balance, blood pressure and general survival. In short, Progesterone serves

to promote survival and development of the embryo and fetus. It acts as a

precursor to many important steroid hormones and helps to regulate a broad

range of biological and metabolic effects in the body. During chronic

stress, Progesterone production is reduced as the body favors cortisol

production to reduce stress. This is an important point which we will look

into later.

Progesterone and Adrenal Gland Optimization

The adrenal gland has two compartments: the inner or medulla modulate the

sympathetic nervous system through secretion and regulation of two hormones

called epinephrine and nor epinephrine that are responsible for the fight or

flight response.

The adrenal cortex secretes three classes of hormones - glucocorticoids,

mineralcorticoids and androgens. The most important glucocorticoids are

cortisol and hydrocortisone. Reduced output of these hormones often result

from chronic stress of the adrenal glands or malnutrition. Symptoms include

fatigue, low blood sugar, weight loss and menstrual dysfunction.

Mineralcorticoids such as aldosterone modulate the delicate balance of

minerals in the cell, especially sodium and potassium. Stress increases the

release of aldosterone, causing sodium retention (leading to water retention

and high blood pressure) and loss of potassium and magnesium. Magnesium is

involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. Its deficiency is

widespread and has been linked to a variety of pathological conditions,

including cardiac arrhythmias, uterine fibroids and osteoporosis.

The adrenal cortex also produces all of the sex hormones, although in small

amounts. One exception is DHEA, a weak androgenic hormone that is made in

large amounts in both sexes. DHEA, together with testosterone and estrogen,

are made from pregnenolone, which in turn comes from cholesterol.

Progesterone is therefore at the top of an important hormonal metabolic

pathway. Deficiency in Progesterone leads to reduction of both

glucocorticosteroids and mineralcorticoids such as cortisol. Deficiency

symptoms of cortisol include fatigue, immune dysfunction, hypoglycemia,

allergies and arthritis. Deficiency in mineralcorticoids include high blood

pressure and mineral imbalances. Progesterone supplement often effectively

resolve these problems.

....With chronic stress, eventually the adrenals are exhausted and production

of these important hormones are drastically reduced. "

-----Original Message-----

Hi, I'm new here. I've been reading thru the files saved here and have

spent the last week reading articles online on the subject. I'm learning

alot, and I'm finding some conflicting info. I'd like to know where to

start in order to heal. Do you mind reviewing my situation and giving me

some advice?

Diagnosed with postpartum thyroiditis in 2002.

Been on Armour since 2005 (subclinical hypothyroidism)

After stressful year (good riddance 2007!) and feeling crummy, did

bloodwork

listed below. Symptoms that started this fall include: Heart palpatations,

anxiety (trying to sell house in the current market!), difficulty falling

asleep, Minor incontinence, memory issues, slight depression, evening

fatigue until 9 pm, no libido, feeling dehydrated, occasional dizziness,

dandruff, irritable, emotional.

Blood tests:

TSH 13

Free T4 .7 (.8-1.8)

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies >1000

Other antibodies, iron levels, and ferritin are normal. T3 not checked.

My conclusion is that I have Hashimotos. I increased Armour dosage from

105 to 120 mg after test results. Also started gluten free diet. Started

Pro-gest by emerita yesterday (day 12 of cycle). Applying cream morning

and

night. Adding sea salt to water, trying to get to sleep earlier (by

10:30), and after reading some of the files, considering starting yeast

detox. Also considering buying licorice extract.

Does it seem odd that my DHEAs are so high with progesterone and thyroid

being low? Any ideas what I should treat first? I'm really looking forward

to getting back to normal. Please help!!

Thanks!!

.